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What Are the Benefits of Stimulants for ADHD?

B. Miller
B. Miller

Using stimulants for ADHD is one of the most common treatment methods for this condition, as research has shown that it can be very effective and often has few adverse effects. In addition, stimulants for ADHD can be used in people of all ages, including children, when carefully monitored by a doctor. It is important to be well informed, and to discuss all possible options with a doctor, but there are a number of potential benefits to using this treatment method. The first is that taking stimulants can lead to an improvement in ADHD symptoms almost immediately. In addition, though they are often seen to be very effective, they do not build up in the body so dosages can be adjusted with relative ease.

Researchers are still working to determine why stimulants for ADHD seem to be effective, but it is believed to be related to the neurotransmitters in the brain. Regardless, a significant number of patients suffering from ADHD experience an improvement in symptoms when they begin taking prescription stimulants, often with the very first dosage. This may allow children to pay attention better in class and stay focused on the task at hand, or for adults to concentrate on their work. It may also reduce emotional or angry outbursts, which can really help to improve relationships.

A child with ADHD playing.
A child with ADHD playing.

Another one of the benefits of stimulants for ADHD is that people taking these medications often do not experience too many adverse side effects. Sometimes digestive issues or sleep issues are experienced, but if discussed with a doctor, they can often be resolved by adjusting dosage. Some people will combine their ADHD medication with dietary changes such as cutting back on sugar, which may help to prevent side effects, as well as reduce ADHD symptoms. Certain effects can take time to appear, however, so it is important to continue to monitor effects when taking stimulants for ADHD.

An additional benefit to taking stimulants for ADHD is that stimulants do not stay in the body for a prolonged period of time. This makes adjusting dosage easier, as well as ceasing treatment if this becomes necessary. It is important to remember, however, that an individual should never just stop taking prescribed medication without first talking to a doctor about how to do it. The fact that stimulants do not stay in the blood stream for long can also make it more difficult to find the proper dosage in the first place, but it is certainly possible as long a the advice of a medical professional is followed.

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    • A child with ADHD playing.
      By: Elena Stepanova
      A child with ADHD playing.